Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has condemned the alleged killing of 19-year-old Nigerian student Afolabi Stephen in Manitoba, Canada.
Describing the incident as wicked, Dabiri-Erewa said the commission was committed to ensuring justice was served in this tragic case.
The assurance was contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja and signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the director of media, public relations, and protocols unit at NiDCOM.
The statement said that NIDCOM was actively engaged with the Nigerian mission in Ottawa, which has received assurances from the Canadian authorities that a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident was underway.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace,” said Balogun in a condolence message issued by NIDCOM.
Reports reveal that Afolabi Stephen was allegedly killed by policemen in Manitoba, Canada, on December 31, 2023. While details surrounding his death remain unclear, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department acknowledged responding to a call about a young male behaving “erratically.”
In a statement posted on its website via Winnipeg.ca, the police department mentioned that efforts to calm the young man failed, leading to the discharge of a firearm and, unfortunately, his death. NIDCOM remains vigilant in pursuing justice for this tragic incident, supporting the grieving family during this challenging time.
